It was reported that the construction and renovation of the
expanded Trenton Education Center is progressing on schedule at the monthly
Trenton Campaign Steering meeting on Wednesday, December 18.

Arlene Covington, Director of the Trenton Education Center,
reported that interior renovations were proceeding well, as is the exterior
work, including the construction of a new entrance. New cabinetry is in the process of being
installed in the Center’s new laboratory areas, along with tile in newly
created restrooms.

The expansion of the Trenton Center is part of a capital
building series of projects by Kaskaskia College. The Trenton Center is being expanded from its
original 3,800 square feet of leased space in the old Illinois Power building
along Old Rt. 50 in Trenton. The entire
building was deeded over to the College by the City of Trenton, which allows
for the nearly 11,000 square feet renovation to take place, along with a 5,000
square foot addition. Construction
started earlier this year, and the project is slated to be completed in March
of 2014.

The Trenton Campaign Steering Committee, chaired by the
Trenton Sun’s Mike Conley, has been working diligently to raise the required
private funds which, coupled with an allocation of extended bond funds from the
Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees, will pay for the expansion project without
any new tax initiatives. It was reported
this month that the funds needed to finish the project stand at less than
$50,000.

The Committee is continuing to disseminate information on
the project and to solicit funds for its completion. A number of public events have been held for
the project, including the Big Event at the Hidden Lakes Winery, and more
recently a cash raffle and Trivia Night held earlier this month at the American
Legion hall in Aviston. Another large
event and an elegant Tea Party are being planned for the spring.

Another focus of the campaign is brick sales. Paver bricks, which will be part of the new
entry to the Center, are being sold for a donation of $150 for a 4” by 8” paver
or $300 for an 8” by 8” paver. These
bricks can be inscribed with a short, appropriate message of the donor’s
choosing, making them a perfect way to memorialize, honor, or otherwise recognize a person or group with
a legacy that is very affordable and enduring.

For more information on the Trenton Education Center
project, please visit www.kaskaskia.edu/TEC or contact Campaign Chair Suzanne
Christ at 618-545-3069 or by email at schrist@kaskaskia.edu.​